Fine Jewelry by Lia Gormley

Touches of nature in gold and silver

Lia Gormley of North Hampton has a delicate touch with precious metals and stone. Her feminine sensibilities are hand fabricated in metal with each piece a variation on a theme — that theme being elements of nature with twisting vines, turning leaves and baby buds that gracefully twine and twirl about the surface of rings, pendants and earrings.

Most of the gemstones used are set in a bezel, the traditional method she was taught at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. “I just like that classic look,” she says.

Gormley enjoys making rings the most. “Maybe it’s the symbolism involved,” she says. Couples have used them for engagement and wedding rings, making the choice quite personal. She adds, “Then some women just buy them for themselves, tired of waiting for the perfect ring from someone else.”

At Exeter Fine Crafts, Gormley with be the featured artist in February. Her entire collection will be on display. She also exhibits annually at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Fair at Sunapee in August. In 2006 she won Best of Show in the CraftWear exhibition.